Category: Articles

LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY | September 15, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Bicol reached out to 155 farmers from different barangays in Legazpi City on the safe and judicious use of agricultural inputs and promoted the use of Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) during the rice season-long training at Good Grass Farm, Happy Homes Subdivision, Brgy. Pawa, Legazpi City last September 12-14, 2022.

Regional Officer (RO) Gabriel Atole started his discussion with topics on soil health, fertilizer application, plant growth promoters, and BFS. In his discussion, he reiterated that applying BFS could help minimize the dependency on inorganic fertilizer.

BFS is a program recommended by FPA and other DA agencies that applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

Moreover, Provincial Officer (PO) Winsor Nueva discussed the general information about pesticides and its label, safe handling, possible chemical hazards, and prevention of pesticide poisoning. He highlighted the importance of reading the pesticide label before buying, mixing, applying/spraying, storing, and disposing.

The farmers were reminded to purchase registered fertilizer and pesticide (f/p) products from FPA-licensed dealers only and warned them of the possible presence of fake and off-specifications fertilizers. They were advised to contact the assigned PO in their area or visit the FPA Region V Facebook page and the FPA website in case of doubt about their purchased f/p products.

The rice season-long training on the Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, and Farm Mechanization was organized by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as part of the Rice Extension Services Program (RESP) under the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

RESP aimed to provide and improve the knowledge, attitude, skills, and practices of the RCEF beneficiaries in producing more rice and reducing production costs through training. ###

MARINDUQUE | September 12, 2022 – A total of 503 rice farmers were reached as FPA RFU IV joined the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) fertilizer distribution through Fertilizer Discount Voucher Program in Boac on September 2, 2022, in Mogpog on September 6-7, 2022, and in Gasan on September 8-9, 2022, municipalities of Marinduque.

Dr. Lucila J. Vasquez of DA IVB – Agricultural Program Coordinating Office of Marinduque spearheaded the program, together with Agriculturists Mr. Isabelo M. Zamora and Mr. Rafaim L. Regis of the Rice Banner program, and assisted by Mr. Edilberto De Luna from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist through the Rice Focal Person Ms. Sherry Dee L. Marciano and different Municipal Agriculture Offices.

As part of the program, the FPA Provincial Officer (PO) Mark Nicky S. Larga discussed the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program and provided updates on the fertilizer price situation and proliferation of fake fertilizers.

BFS is a strategy recommended by DA to address the problems of the rising cost of fertilizer, land degradation, and decline in soil fertility through adjustments in the cropping and management systems. Through BFS, FPA and DA aims to lessen the dependency on commonly used chemical fertilizer and give enough balanced nutrients for plant growth.

Since soil analysis is very important in this strategy, PO Larga informed the farmers that they could use technologies such as leaf color chart which is also now available on android application, rice crop manager, and soil test kit. To support the campaign, DA APCO provided foliar fertilizer to rice farmer beneficiaries.

PO Larga also reminded the farmers to be cautious in buying fertilizer products and only purchase from a licensed dealer. Fortunately, there were no fake products identified by the time the FPA conducted inspection and monitoring of handlers in Marinduque.

In addition, information materials such as Abonong Swak of the Department of Agriculture, Gabay sa Tamang Pagggamit ng Abono at Gabay sa Tamang Paggamit ng Pestisidyo were given to the farmers. Actual inspection and random weighing of fertilizer products were also done before the distribution proper. ###

LIPA CITY | September 16, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) CALABARZON-MIMAROPA Regional Officer (RO) Suzettie M. Alcaide and Batangas Provincial Officer (PO) Georlene P. Orbista discussed the proliferation of fake and off-specification fertilizers at the 3rd Quarter Regional Management Committee (RMC) meeting on September 13, 2022, in DA LARES Conference Room, Maraouy, Lipa City, Batangas.

During the meeting, RO Alcaide highlighted the ongoing fertilizer situation, particularly the proliferation of fake and off-specification fertilizers in the market. She assured the members that FPA is strictly monitoring and working closely with the fertilizer handlers in the region to address this issue.

Furthermore, she presented the list of fertilizer handlers with suspension orders on their License to Operate (LTO) and asked the members of RMC, especially those member agencies who work closely with the farmers, to disseminate the information to them.

In response, the member agencies guaranteed to help FPA in informing the farmers and suggested different strategies to improve the circulation of critical information to avoid communication gaps.

The following strategies were proposed:

1. Utilization of social media platforms and radio programs aired by the DA RFO-IVA radio station;

2. Monthly bulletin of registered handlers signed by the FPA Director and send it to the different DA regional offices and the local government units; and

3. Utilization of the RMC network wherein the FPA will provide regular updates to the member agencies through the RMC Secretariat.

Department of Agriculture Regional Field Officer (DA RFO) IV-A OIC Regional Executive Director, Engr. Abelardo R. Bragas presided over the said meeting and was attended by the heads of 19 member agencies who also provided updates on the implementation of their respective programs. ###

SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION | September 12, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Regional Field Unit (FPA RFU) I conducted series of random inspections in 47 fertilizer and pesticide handlers in the Province of La Union last September 6-9, 2022.

During the Clean-Up Drive (CUD) operations, 13 handlers were found operating without a license, 14 dealers without ASD accreditation, and two (2) with expired licenses. As a result, 29 out of 47 handlers were issued with Notice of Violations (NoVs) and were expected to comply with all the requirements in the following days.

Dealers without ASD accreditations were invited to attend the ASD training on September 22-23, 2022. ASD is a prerequisite for acquiring License to Operate (LTO) as fertilizer and pesticide handler.

On the other hand, two (2) store owners were issued with Stop, Use, Move, Sale (SUMS) orders for selling off-specs inorganic fertilizers. Field technicians of the concerned companies were immediately informed, and they were obliged to pull out their products as soon as possible.

Further, the team conducted an ocular inspection in a Vietnamese vessel carrying fertilizers from China and monitored the unloading of inorganic fertilizers. The team also collected fertilizer samples, which were sent to the FPA Laboratory Services Division (LSD) for confirmatory analysis. The results are expected to be released within 20 working days.

The team was composed of Regional Officer Joseph Andre John O. Martinez, Provincial Officers Medardo Santiago, Melecio L. Chos-chos, John Mark Manangan, and Noel M. Tablada. ###

PANGASINAN and LA UNION | September 14, 2022 – Dr. Myer G. Mula, Officer-in-Charge of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, discussed the present scenario of the fertilizer industry to the fertilizer distributors and importers in his visit to Pangasinan and San Fernando City, La Union on September 8-9, 2022.

Dr. Mula had a courtesy call with the Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, CESO IV, to discuss possible collaboration for the different programs and projects of the Department of Agriculture that will benefit the farmers. 

During his visit, he explained the reasons behind the increasing prices of fertilizer, including rising fuel costs, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the prioritization of local distribution over importation by most fertilizer exporting countries.

“The country has been for a long-time a net importer of fertilizers. About 90% of the country’s needs for fertilizer are mostly imported from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In addition, some are being imported from Qatar, Canada, Korea, and the Middle East, while local production accounts for only 10% of the country’s fertilizer supply,” Dr. Mula explained.

Aside from the increasing prices of fertilizers, he also shared the current fertilizer prices and the possibility of the government-to-government procurement of fertilizers through the National Rice Program (NRP). Further, he requested the FPA RFU I to regularly submit the weekly price monitoring and inventory at the online fertilizer watch system for public information and other legal purposes.

He also discussed the status of the locally blended fertilizers and how the FPA addressed the issue. Additionally, he reiterated that the companies violating PD 1144 should comply with all the requirements and coordinate with the FPA to resolve these issues.

Moreover, he emphasized that the batch number and source of origin should be properly printed on the sacks for better monitoring.

Dr. Mula also inspected the records of fertilizers and pesticides sold, distributed, and stored in the company’s warehouse. He ensured that the company was compliant with the good housekeeping practices implemented by the Agency and the proper disposal of damaged and expired fertilizers. ###

DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR | SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 – Provincial Officer (PO) Ms. Imelda Rasay discussed the first aid management tips for pesticide poisoning during her third guesting at DXKL 97.5 Radyo Astig last September 9, 2022.

The discussion focused on proper safety procedures and first aid management in case of accidental pesticide poisoning in the field. “It is essential that pesticide poisoning incidents be recognized immediately because prompt treatment may mean the difference between life and death. Do not substitute first aid for professional treatment. First aid is only to relieve the patient before medical help can be reached,” Ms. Rasay explained.

The following are the first aid treatment at the scene of incident:

• See that the person is breathing. The highest priority is adequate breathing. It must be maintained continuously. If the victim is not breathing, give mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration.
• Stop exposure to the position. Remove the person from scene of spillage or other contamination. Avoid further skin contact and/or inhalation of fumes or dust.
• Save the pesticide container and any remaining material. Get readable label or name of chemical(s) for the physician. If the position is not known, save sample of the vomitus.

PO Rasay also shared the upcoming Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training on September 14, 2022 in Davao City for individuals who are into agricultural businesses, as this is part of the requirements for the issuance of License to Operate (LTO) as a dealer. She emphasized the importance of ASD training to avoid becoming the victims of fake and substandard purchases of agricultural inputs due to a lack of awareness.

“There should be a need to update the minds of our stakeholders, and ASD training plays an important role in this,” PO Rasay said.

The FPA awareness program on proper safety procedures and first aid management will continue on its regular time slot, every 2nd Friday of the month, on DXKL 97.5 Radyo Astig in Digos City, Davao del Sur. The United Top Agro Products through its General Trade Manager, Mr. Chito Eltagonde, co-sponsored the radio program. ###

BOHOL | September 13, 2022 – FPA Region VII teamed up with the Local Government Unit (LGU) for an information drive campaign on the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) and safe pesticide handling during the 75th Founding Anniversary celebration of Trinidad, Bohol conducted last August 30, 2022, at Poblacion, Trinidad, Bohol.

As a starter, Regional Officer (RO) Arnulfo Arausa, Jr. gave an overview of the activity and stressed the advantages and importance of the BFS and the safe handling of pesticides.

In addition, Provincial Officer (PO) Sunday Flores discussed the Agency’s mandates and functions, PO Jesus Muring shared insights on safe pesticide handling, and PO Andy Cornell Bornillo shared information on BFS.

BFS is a program that includes the FPA, and other DA agencies involved in farming. The idea of the program is to institutionalize the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and other forms of strategies (i.e., green manuring or cover cropping, individual farm soil fertility maps, diversifying and improving cropping system, etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil structure and fertility.

The said strategy applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

Moreover, Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Pesticide Eric C. Divinagracia presented the increasing fertilizer prices. In his discussion, he highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the rising prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

Mr. Divinagracia also expressed his gratitude to the local government unit of Trinidad and acknowledged the hard work of the farmers who attended the celebration.

A total of 180 farmers and representatives from agricultural companies attended the said event. ### 

NEGROS ORIENTAL | September 12, 2022 – FPA Region VII visited the wastewater treatment facility and the proposed treatment site of the Universal Robina Corporation (URC) distillery last September 07, 2022, at Bais City, Negros Oriental.

Under the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order (AO) No. 11 series of 2019, re-use of wastewater for fertilization would only be allowed after securing a Certification of Safe Wastewater Re-use from FPA.

The certification would consider:

• Location and access – including topographic, characteristics, and soil condition;
• Characteristics of wastewater – including the concentration of macronutrients, micronutrients, heavy metals, pH level, electrical conductivity, and presence of pathogens;
• Plan on the re-use of wastewater – which area are to be fertilized, proposed crop/s, method of application, quantity of wastewater, schedule of application, nutrient management plan, and storage management.

The company passed the standards and is expected to submit all the necessary documents to the Fertilizer Regulations Division for the issuance of certification of safe wastewater re-use as fertilizer.

The inspection was spearheaded by Regional Officer Arnulfo Arausa, Jr., together with Provincial Officers Sunday Flores and Jesus Muring and was assisted by Mr. Remwel Estrallado – URC Environment Health and Safety Officer. ###

Source:

Department of Agriculture. (2019). Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 11 series 2019: Revised Guidelines on the Procedures and Technical Requirements for the Issuance of a Certification Allowing the Safe Re-use of Wastewater for Purposes of Irrigation and Other Agricultural Uses, Pursuant to Section 22.C of R.A. 9275 Otherwise Known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

SARANGANI and GEN. SANTOS CITY | September 12, 2022 – Eleven (11) fertilizer and pesticide (f/p) handlers were issued with Notice of Violations (NoVs) by Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) SOCCSKSARGEN during the 3-day Clean-Up Drive (CUD) operation last September 6-8, 2022 in the municipalities of Sarangani Province (Kiamba, Maasim, Malungon, Malapatan, and Alabel) and General Santos City.

Out of the 22 handlers inspected, eleven were in possession of expired products, selling without an FPA dealership license and no accredited safety dispenser (ASD) manning the store. As a result, FPA issued NoVs to the handlers for violating Sec. 8 and 9 of Presidential Decree No. 1144 and invited them to attend the ASD training scheduled on October 12, 2022 in General Santos City. On the other hand, compliant handlers were commended for following FPA rules and regulations.

Moreover, three warehouses in General Santos City were monitored and were found compliant with FPA standards and good housekeeping practices. In addition, the team collected information on fertilizer prices and inventories of traditional fertilizers and agricultural pesticides and monitored the newly registered fertilizer products in the area.

The activity aimed to assure the farmers of adequate supplies and quality f/p products in the province. A total of 381 fertilizer and agricultural pesticide products were monitored and inspected by the team.

The three-day activity was spearheaded by Region 12 Regional Officer Alita C. Bornea with her Provincial Officers Joey B. Pascua, Jennie M. Basilio, Cherubin M. Alonzo, and Maricel P. Tabigue. ### 

September 1-2, 2022 | Rizal Province – In support of the agency’s mandate to assure the agricultural sector of adequate supplies of fertilizer and pesticides at reasonable prices and rationalize the manufacture and marketing of fertilizers and agricultural pesticides, the Office of the Executive Director-Field Operations Coordinating Unit (OED-FOCU), and Field Unit-NCR conducted a series of monitoring and inspection of dealers in Region IVA-Rizal. The activity aims to assess dealers’ compliance with FPA standards for licensing, handling, occupational health, and safety in fertilizer and pesticide stores and impose penalties and sanctions for violations to set rules and standards.

The inspection team composed of Atty. Janelyn I. Aquino-Pabalate (Attorney IV), Ms. Lourdes R. Conde (Agriculturist II), and Mr. Mike P. Cuento (Agriculturist I) inspected establishments that are involved in the selling and distribution of fertilizer and pesticide products in several cities and municipalities of Rizal such as Cainta, Taytay, Teresa, Baras, and Tanay.

On the first day of the clean-up drive, the team inspected seven (7) establishments selling different FPA-registered fertilizer and pesticide products. Six of them are unlicensed, and one has an expired license. On the second day, the team successfully inspected four stores. Two are active with licenses, one has no license and the other one has an expired LTO. 

As part of the drive, the inspection team verbally warned some store owners who sold small quantities (below 5kgs) of fertilizer and agricultural chemicals without a license. The team also issued six (6) SUMS orders at the end of the activity. SUMS Order was issued to those engaged in selling large quantities of fertilizer and agricultural chemicals without a dealer license. Moreover, SUMS Order shall remain in force until the violated provision in the PD 1144 and its IRR have been complied with or resolved by the dealers.

Furthermore, to intensify the agency’s program and for public information, it was clearly explained to the violators that no person should sell and market any pesticides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals except under a license issued by the FPA. The licensing process was also discussed with them, including the requirements and the processing fees. Suppliers of the SUMS products shall also be informed regarding the results of the clean-up drive and shall be asked for their explanation of why they supplied these products to the unlicensed dealers.

The team also monitored the Morong Municipal Composting Site. A sample of compost/finished product was collected for confirmatory analysis. ###